July 9, 2025

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel


The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Russell Collier, Education Policy Team, MOD adds:

"We are delighted that so many education settings and local authorities, from across the UK, chose to apply to the Service Pupil Support Programme this year. It’s incredibly positive to see a large number of exciting projects being funded, all with the same ambition in mind, that is to support children from armed forces families to thrive in education."

Empowering service children

RFS July Newsletter - Celebrating women, progress, and possibility

To view the newsletter online, please go to: 

July 8, 2025

Bovington: Garrison Memorial Hall weekly activities for adults and children


Click on posters below to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

July 7, 2025

Grantham: Veterans Help & Advice Drop-in Session

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Scotland: Forces Children Scotland's University and College Fund 2025-26 application is now open until 8th August.

Forces Children Scotland are pleased to announce that applications for their University and College Fund 2025-26 are now open and will remain so until 8 August.

Awards of up to £2,000 are available for young people from Regular, Reservist or Veteran families studying at undergraduate level anywhere in the UK.

To find out more and apply today๐Ÿ‘‰ https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/.../applications.../

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?

If you haven't chosen a childcare setting already, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is the best option for you and your family when there are so many choices ๐Ÿ˜•

For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school. 
It's a big decision.

Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
๐Ÿ’ Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
๐Ÿ’ Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
๐Ÿ’ Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
๐Ÿ’ Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence

St Andrews: Families First are looking for volunteers, interested in getting involved?

Families First arecurrently looking for volunteers to support parents and carers, or to offer transport to sessions (or even both).

Whether you’re keen to meet new people, use your experience, or try something new, this could be a great fit for you (or someone you know).

Pop along to one of their info sessions on Monday 21st July to find out more, or get in touch - email vc@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Welfare Activity Passes available

click on image to enlarge

To book please contact the Welfare Team

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

July 4, 2025

North Yorkshire: Introduction to Migration Training - October 2025


Click on the image to access the links to register

Information provided by North HIVE Hub